NEWSLETTER
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Augustinian Formation Association (AFA) |
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Supporting the training of brothers and priests for the Augustinian Order
Post Office Box 679
Brookvale 2100
No. 2/03
July 2003
Dear Members
It is that time of year again when as President I get to write a few words. My six months have gone quickly. Today, as I write this newsletter I have just come home from attending Tan's first profession vows at St Kieran's Church, Manly Vale. What a joyous occasion, the church was packed and the Vietnamese Choir and our own Choir were singing. Tan's Augustinian brothers were also there. His uncle and another priest friend who first introduced Tan to the Augustinians also concelebrated at the mass. It was a very moving ceremony. After the Mass, Tan's family and invited guests gathered in the parish centre for a light luncheon. I would like on behalf of everyone who attended or helped in anyway to say thank you. To Tan's parents and family, thank you for providing the food and the AFA members for providing the drink and decorations.
This last six months has also seen us have a very successful stall in Manly where we raised some $1,700. To those who helped and donated goods, many thanks.
As you are aware the next outing in our calendar is the bus trip to the Blue Mountains and lunch at the Katoomba RSL. We will be combining with members of St Clair parish and attending Mass at 9.30 am. We should have lots of fun. Thanks to everyone who has paid their membership because it is these funds that help to put young men like Tan through the Novitiate.
Don't forget our Annual Mass and Barbecue to be held on Sunday 24th August at St Kieran's at 12.30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
This year we are trying something different to raise funds and this will be in the form of a Trivia Night on the 20th September at St Kieran's, a popular place, and we would like to invite all AFA members to make up a table of eight and enjoy the fun.
Then, the last thing on this year's calendar is the Christmas Party to be held in late November. We hope that you will all join us to end the year at a gathering to be enjoyed by all.
Trudi McFadden
President
Tel: 9972 4326
NFrom the Formation Director
Profession of Minh-Tan Hoang OSA
The liturgy during which Minh-Tan Hoang (Tan) made his first religious profession in the Order of Saint Augustine was a truly wonderful celebration. The profession took place on 29 June at St Kieran's Church, Manly Vale. It was the feast of Ss Peter & Paul which was fitting in that Peter is Tan's baptismal name. Our Provincial Fr Pat Fahey presided, preached and received Tan's profession. In his homily, Fr Pat reminded Tan and all present that a commitment in the religious life only makes sense if it is a commitment to love - to love God and to love neighbour as oneself. It is grace that accomplishes this within us.
I would like to express my deep appreciation for the support that the Augustinian Formation Association has shown Tan in so many ways over his time in the Order. On the day of the profession AFA committee members under the direction of Trudi McFadden worked with Tan's family and the Young Adult Augustinian Group (YAAG) in preparing the parish hall and providing food for the social celebration. During the profession ceremony Tan received a copy of the Rule of St Augustine and the Constitutions of the Order from Fr Pat. The bound cover of the combined books was a gift to Tan from AFA. Michael Halloway formally congratulated Tan on behalf of AFA.
Tan now commences study for the combined Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy)/ Bachelor of Theology degrees at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.
I ask you to continue to pray for vocations to the Order.
Fr Peter Jones OSA
Formation Director
Please remember to visit the Augustinian website http://www.augustinians.org.au
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